“I'll be home for Christmas, you can plan on me. Please have snow and mistletoe and presents by the tree. Christmas Eve will find me where the love light gleams. I'll be home for Christmas, if only in my dreams.” In 1943 vocalist Bing Crosby recorded this song which became a gold-record vinyl. Co-written by Kim Gannon and Buck Ram, “I’ll Be Home for Christmas” became a classic. The lyrics are anticipatory “I’ll be home” with a twinge of melancholy “if only in my dreams”.
For many of us, there is a longing to “be home” for the Christmas Season. Family gatherings and festivities in the circles of the familiar, warm our hearts. Memories are renewed and traditions are celebrated. For others of us, our minds reflect on “home” even if it is not actually possible to be there.
I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.
Christmas is a season of faith renewal for millions of people. We are reminded afresh of the arrival of the baby Jesus to our “home” planet earth. Christ actually left His “home” to come to our “home”. Because of His love for us, He was not “home” for that first Christmas. He said to His followers, “There is more than enough room in my Father’s home. I am going to prepare a place for you. When everything is ready, I will come and get you, so that you will always be with me where I am.” (John 14:2-3). Thinking of His heavenly home, Jesus spoke to His Father with these words. “This is the way to have eternal life – to know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, the one you sent to earth. I brought glory to you by completing the work you gave me to do. Now, Father, bring me into the glory we shared before the world began.” (John 17:3-5). When Christ ascended up into heaven after His resurrection, He was going “home”. Wherever you find yourself this Christmas, be assured that the Christ of Christmas has you on His heart. May you feel “at home” in His embrace!
* Note: Pastor Les submitted article, and it was published in Fort McMurray Today's Clergy Comments for the week of 4 December 2016. If there are any questions, comments, or concerns, please feel free to email the webmaster, Pastor Chris.